Puramon Kynjing, the Doloi of Jowai has joined hands with CEO Meghalaya in educating people of Jowai about the importance of voting, and urged the public to vote in large numbers on April 19.
The Doloi, who is the most revered traditional head of the Jaintia community, said that voting is not just a right but also a responsibility of the citizens.
During an awareness programme held at Iawmusiang in Jowai, the Doloi urged the people of the town to actively engage in the democratic process, thereby strengthening the foundations of their society and ensuring a brighter and stronger democracy.
He said that voting is the cornerstone of democracy. It is the fundamental right through which citizens express their will and choose their representatives, he added.
Deputy Commissioner, Batlang S Sohliya also attended the voters awareness programme, and said CEO Meghalaya has been shouldering the SVEEP initiative of the Election Commission of India through civic engagement, especially with the traditional institutions.
He said by casting the votes, citizens choose their best leaders, and in turn, makes India a stronger democracy.
The Deputy Commissioner said voting is important for everyone because it is a way for citizens to shape the future direction of their communities, ensuring progress and prosperity for generations to come.
The programme was also attended by Arwatki Sumer, Secretary of Sein Raij Jowai, D V Lyngdoh, Additional Deputy Commissioner.
U Sangot, the traditional Khasi information broadcaster, adopted as a part of the Chief Electoral Officer Meghalaya’s voter awareness programme, also took active part in educating the electorates of Jowai on the importance of voting.
Highlighting CEO Meghalaya’s Clean and Green elections, the U Sangot said every voter should compete with each other to be the first one to exercise their franchise in their respective polling stations.
The first two voters – one male and one female, will get the opportunity to plant saplings in the campus of the polling stations, with their names written on a board by the side of the tree.
“Clean and green election is the primary focus of the General Election to Lok Sabha 2024 in Meghalaya,” the U Sangot said, adding that a clean and green ecosystem can only lead Meghalaya towards the path of prosperity.
U Sangot also told the electorates that voters should ensure that they reach the polling stations on time.
